NEWS STORIES

DECEMBER 2012

Dec. 31: As farmers across the country deal with a flurry of end-of-year paperwork, the National Corn Growers Association reminds members that they can save on their office supply needs through the association’s partnership with Office Depot. Online and in-store, NCGA members are eligible for special discounts on the products necessary to keep the farm office running smoothly. “As every farmer understands, the end of the year brings a significant …

Dec. 28:The coming new year brings intensified shipping difficulties for barge operators on the stretch of the Mississippi River just south of St. Louis. With ice on the river’s northernmost stretch reducing water levels already seriously affected by the drought, traffic on the nation’s largest waterway could come to a halt by Friday of next week. “While the drought is at the core of the current issues on the …

Dec. 27: The National Corn Growers Association thanks Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson for acting on the Obama Administration’s commitment to ethanol and other biofuels during her tenure. This statement comes on the heels of today’s public announcement of her forthcoming resignation in January. “Administrator Jackson worked with NCGA to support the ethanol industry and promote science-based regulations during her tenure,” said NCGA Chairman Garry Niemeyer, a farmer from …

The National Corn Growers Association concludes the second season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Field Notes caught up with Billy Thiel, a …

Dec 20: The Environmental Protection Agency recently updated the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Revisions were made to regulations pertaining to fine particulate only. The decision to revise fine particulate matter regulations was a result of a court order after EPA failed to meet its five-year legal deadline for reviewing the standards. The regulations do not include course particulate matter, which is where farm dust is categorized, thus the regulations …

Dec. 21: While many people enjoy time relaxing over the holidays, CommonGround volunteers know that consumers’ food anxieties never take a day off, particularly as concerned moms prepare holiday meals for their families. To help ease dairy anxieties, CommonGround New York volunteer Beth Chittenden, a dairy farmer, stepped up her efforts to address common concerns many have over the milk they will offer alongside their Christmas cookies. In an open …

Dec. 21: Updates to research preventing health hazards and economic losses from aflatoxin, will be presented to the public Feb. 26, 2013, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Fla. The Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence (AMCOE) and the National Corn Growers Association’s Mycotoxin Task Force, a subcommittee of the organization’s Production and Stewardship Action Team will host the meeting. Corn producer organizations from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, …

Dec. 20: Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2012 National Corn Yield Contest. Despite a severe drought that plagued most of the Corn Belt, entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, even doubling it in some circumstances. The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 48th year and remains NCGA’s most …

Dec. 19: As the holidays approach, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save when purchasing gifts for the NASCAR ® racing fans in their lives. By using the benefits offered through the NCGA Fuel for Members website, members can find significant savings on a variety of NACAR-themed products, race tickets and even receive special offers from other NASCAR partners. “NCGA, corn farmers and the entire ethanol industry …

Dec. 19: The National Corn Growers Association’s Grower Services Action Team focuses on three areas for the organization: membership, leadership and communications. In each of these areas, 2013 will continue to bring exciting programs and reenergized efforts under the leadership of the 14 growers who, along with state and national staff assistance, keep a sharp eye on program efforts in these three areas. Following the meetings, Off the Cob …

Dec. 18: With water levels on the Mississippi River nearing historic lows, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched a two-pronged approach this week aimed at minimizing shipping delays on the nation’s busiest inland waterway. The plan, which includes increasing water flow into the river and removing rock pinnacle impediments to deepen the navigable channel, will cause temporary delays but may keep the river open for shipping for much of …

Dec. 17: This holiday season, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on travel expenses by using discounts available exclusively through NCGA. Through partnerships with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the exclusive NCGA Worldwide Hotel Discount Program, NCGA offers members valuable savings on car rentals and hotel bookings whether they travel across the country or even to many locations around the world. “NCGA works hard to increase opportunities for farmers …

Dec. 17: The National Corn Growers Association Nominating Committee is now accepting applications from members for the 2014 Corn Board. Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization’s leadership. Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines. “Through working with my fellow growers on the Corn Board, I have come to more fully appreciate the wealth …

Dec. 14: As Mississippi River levels continue to drop and its infrastructure crumbles, the waterway’s effective closure looms on the horizon like a dark cloud for the many farmers. For a large portion of the Corn Belt, the river not only serves as the primary means by which to move their crop for export but also as the main channel by which fertilizer for the 2013 planting season is brought …

Dec. 14: This week, the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board, Action Teams and Committees convened in St. Louis to delve into the issues and opportunities that will affect corn farmers across the country during the coming year. Gaining information from presentations by leaders from industry and government, the team members explored possible changes to team policies and activities that could help their respective programs improve efforts to create and …

Dec. 13: As the holidays approach, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save when purchasing gifts for the computer and electronics lovers in their lives. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Dell products at a significant discount. “In today’s world, technology is essential to success in school and the workplace,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “Discounts on Dell products …

The National Corn Growers Association concludes the second season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Field Notes caught up with Donna Jeschke, an …

By Rick Tolman CEO, National Corn Growers Association General Mills, the maker of Cheerios and other foods, is catching grief from a small group of Internet bullies because of its use of genetically engineered ingredients. Oddly and ironically enough, these social media loudmouths have chosen a product that is predominantly made from oats, a commodity that is not genetically modified. But of course, Cheerios was not targeted because it …

Dec. 12: Starting today, dozens of corn growers who are respected leaders in their industry and actively involved in the National Corn Growers Association are gathering in St. Louis for a round of meetings to discuss the issues that will affect farmers heading into 2013. Many growers from states in the northern and western Corn Belt are braving difficult weather conditions and delaying preparation for the upcoming growing year …

Dec. 11: As the holidays approach, members of the National Corn Growers Association can save when purchasing gifts for the outdoors enthusiasts in their lives. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Cabela’s gift cards at a 10 percent discount. “We always look for benefits that match the interests of our growers, and this partnership is perfect for their active outdoor lifestyle,” said Brandon Hunnicutt , chairman …

The National Corn Growers Association concludes the second season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities. Field Notes caught up with Don Rutledge, a …

Dec. 10: This year, members of the National Corn Growers Association can make the kick off of the NASCAR® season in Daytona and Commodity Classic a doubleheader. With both events occurring only days apart in central Florida, fans of farming and of NASCAR can take in the excitement of the year’s first race in Daytona, where every car will again run on E15, on February 24 before joining in …

Dec. 7: You can’t control the weather, but you can learn more about how your peers are successfully tackling the challenges they face. One way growers are learning more so they can manage risk and succeed as farmers is by annually attending Commodity Classic, the only national agricultural convention and trade show put on by farmers for farmers. This next year, farmers will meet in Kissimmee, Fla., to learn …

Dec. 7: The National Corn Growers Association will host the 2014 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference June 2-4 in Louisville, Ky. The biennial event will focus on wet and dry milling technologies and products while again hosting sessions on mycotoxin, similar to those introduced at the 2012 conference. “We are proud of CUTC’s position as the premier corn technology conference in the world and of the many learning opportunities …

Dec. 6: The E15 blend of ethanol. Food and fuel. Energy security. Jobs in rural America. There is a lot of discussion about ethanol these days, and plenty of need for a look at the facts. That’s why the National Corn Growers Association has created the EthanolFacts.com website as a simple place to get the facts and links to a lot more information about our favorite domestic renewable …

Dec. 6: The overall quality of the 2012 U.S. corn crop is high and improves upon last year's very good marks across a range of test factors, according to the U.S. Grains Council's Corn Harvest Quality Report 2012/13. Total U.S. corn production fell in 2012 due to the worst drought in decades, but despite the drought, this year's crop showed a year-over-year improvement in average test weight, protein levels, …

Dec 6: Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation paving the way for Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia. The National Corn Growers Association previously urged Congress to lift the decades old Jackson-Vanik restrictions. Farmers will soon be allowed to take advantage of a more open and level playing field with Russia. The House of Representatives passed the legislation before adjourning for Thanksgiving. “We are pleased to see both chambers …

Dec. 5: The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers that early refuge planning helps ensure a smooth planting season. As many complete planting planning, the time to make concrete preparations is now. “Refuge planning is important for all farmers because it supports the continued viability of important tools,” said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmermann. “While seed companies work hard to keep a pipeline of …

Dec. 5: American Ethanol congratulates spokesman and driver Austin Dillon on being named 2012 NASCAR® Nationwide Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Now, fans have an opportunity to congratulate Dillon personally too during the American Ethanol live Twitter chat which Dillon will host next week from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. CST Monday, Dec. 10. “All of the American Ethanol partners are so excited for Austin,” said National Corn Growers …

Dec. 4: Last month, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding affiliate, announced the finalists of its Faces of Farming and Ranching program, a nationwide search for agriculture spokespeople, at the Food Dialogues in New York City. The Faces of Farming and Ranching winners will become the faces of agriculture and will be tapped to share stories and experience on …

Dec. 4: Last week, the National Corn Growers Association’s Mycotoxin Task Force met in Houston, Texas to discuss questions concerning mycotoxin mitigation, testing methods and the task force structure moving forward. During these meetings, the task force moved to jointly fund a new project studying fumonisin research and to further explore the possibility of expanding consolidated aflatoxin testing methods currently used in Texas to other areas of the country. …

Dec. 3: A study released last week by researchers from the University of Southern California and Oxford University claiming to find a unique link between high fructose corn syrup and Type 2 diabetes is flawed both in its design and conclusions, according to the Corn Refiners Association. Authored by Dr. Michael I. Goran, the report has met with severe criticism for failing to account for the widespread agreement among …

Dec. 3: The U.S. Grains Council, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding member, demonstrated the importance of relationship-building during the recent Export Exchange 2012 in Minneapolis, Minn. The conference, which brought together a variety of groups including foreign feed millers and U.S. corn and ethanol coproduct providers, helped foster sales of feed ingredient distiller’s dried grains with solubles for years to come. "The U.S. Grains …